Detection of T-factor in lung cancer using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography

The ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect T-factor was compared with that of computed tomography (CT) in 52 patients with primary lung cancer proven by surgery or autopsy, and the results were analyzed in relation to the operative and pathologic findings. In the diagnosis of tumor invasion of the heart and great vessels, MRI provided information as accurate as CT. The T1-weighted images in particular were of considerable value in separating the tumor from the mediastinal and hilar fat. Tumor extent in accompanying peripheral obstructive pneumonia or collapse was demarcated in 21% of the cases studied by CT and in 33% to 53% by MRI. On the other hand, the T2-weighted images obtained with longer echo time (TE) were useful in distinguishing the tumor from secondary changes.